When the Crown Falls

Chapter 15 - Truth and Lies

TENJI YOUZEI

Suffocation filled the empty walls of my office as the silent thud of the door bounced off of it.

I sighed, my already-strained patience wearing thinner. I rubbed my temple in an attempt to ease the growing headache as the royal physician stood fidgety across my desk.

"Another report of her failing health."

I dragged my glare to him, only to meet a pair of unsettled eyes.

"Is this a joke? How long does she intend to continue this farce of being sick?!" The words rolled off with an unintentional tone of anger that made the physician flinch and stutter.

"Y-Your Majesty, we have determined it is not an act. After days of close examination, her health has not been restored enough to to fulfill marital obligations. Her body is frail, her resistance low, and even an act of quick exhaustion could cause a major set back on her recovery. The trauma could worsen her state-"

As I've suspected, these bastards really went with their plan.

Since that night, the thought that if I hadn't stumbled upon their plans, would I have been like a dimwit blinded by the lies of my own servants?

'I have no choice but to step in and protect her myself.'
Sujin's words somehow found its way to engrave itself in my mind ever since I heard it.

I tightly fisted the edge of the desk as the physician kept talking, his words barely made sense due to the overwhelming desperation of convincing me.

This idiot clearly can't lie even if his life depended on it.

I sighed, darting my gaze from the rambling physician to the window. Night has fallen and the moonlight has long casted a dim shine unto the walls of the room.

I interrupted him, "Have her remain where she is. I have things to settle before approaching her."

Truthfully, I halted to realize that I own the whole palace, however, for some unknown reason, I still chose to tiptoe around the floorboards of her chambers—very careful not to make a sound.

The time being just before the night fully set in, I decided to stop by, knowing full well that the hour was close to her sleep time.

Sweet soft hums stopped me in my steps as I almost walked past the frame of her door.

I raised my head, only for my gaze to be trapped by the sight of her.
Emi was still preparing for bed, only donning her inner robes. Her hair had been brushed and freed from the intricate up-dos and I realized how the layers of foundation and powders, the elaborated robes and jewelry, veiled her true beauty.

The stark difference was almost alarming. I admit the sight was barely- no...not at all familiar to me.

She was still in a trance, so innocently unaware of my presence. Any more longer of this excitement of observing from afar—like I was witnessing the reborn of a flower, was dangerous.

Just as she was picking up her brush, I spoke. "Good evening."

She jumped at the sudden whisper of my voice, completely dropping the brush.
I almost flinched as well, thankfully having to save myself from the embarrassment by continuing to stare at her.